Horizon BCBSNJ employees must live in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut or Delaware

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for performing behavioral health duties using established guidelines to ensure appropriate level of care as well as planning for the transition to the continuum of care. Performs duties and types of care management as assigned by management. Serves as mentor/trainer to new BH Clinicians and other staff as needed during the performance of their daily job duties.

Responsibilities:

Assesses patient's behavioral health clinical need against established guidelines and/or standards to ensure that the level of care and length of stay of the patient are medically appropriate for inpatient stay.  Additionally, where applicable, ensure that the services provided are medically appropriate to member's needs, aligned with the benefit structure, and that they have the appropriate supports to be successful with their treatment. Evaluates the necessity, appropriateness and efficiency of behavioral health medical services and procedures provided, for both acute and chronic health care needs when applicable. Develops, coordinates and assists in implementation of plan for members and of individualized plan of care for members and identification of barriers towards Self- Management and optimal wellness. Demonstrates a high level of knowledge and understanding of the application of Milliman Care Guidelines (MCG) and American Association of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to medical necessity criteriaMonitors and coordinates services rendered outside of the network, as well as outside the local area, and coordinates internally for negotiation of fees for such services as appropriate. Coordinates with patient, family, physician, hospital and other external customers with respect to the appropriateness of care from diagnosis to outcome.Coordinates the delivery of high quality, cost-effective care supported by clinical practice guidelines established by the plan addressing the entire continuum of care, including transitional care where applicable. Monitors patient's behavioral health medical care activities, regardless of the site of service, and outcomes for appropriateness and effectiveness.Advocates for the member/family among various sites to coordinate resource utilization and evaluation of services provided.Encourages member participation and compliance in the behavioral health case/disease management program efforts.Documents accurately and comprehensively based on the standards of practice and current organization policies.Interacts and communicates with multidisciplinary teams either telephonically and/or in person striving for continuity and efficiency as the member is managed along the continuum of care.Understands fiscal accountability and its impact on the utilization of resources, proceeding to self-care outcomes.Evaluates care by problem solving, analyzing variances and participating in the quality improvement program to enhance member outcomes.Serves as mentor/trainer to new BH Clinicians and other staff on an ongoing basisServes as an escalation point for cases and issues that require additional attentionCoordinates the implementation of clinical process improvement with the support of the team supervisorWorks independently on special projects in conjunction with the supervisor that support the needs of the businessProvides feedback and collaborates with department supervisor in evaluating areas of needed improvement within the team.Completes other assigned functions as requested by management.Works independently on complex casesRecommend workflow and process improvementsExecute UAT test cases thoroughly from end to endRequired to work one holiday shift per yearAddendum for Navigation roles:Facilitates response to gaps in care and identified high risk members to appropriate settings of care for annual wellness visits including collaboration with treating provider and assist member as well as facility with addressing the needed provider resources to decrease identified gaps in care.Presents clinical cases during audits conducted by external review organizations.Flexible scheduling will require the employee to work other hours than 9am-5pm a minimum of 2 days per week.

Education/Experience:

Requires a masters in a behavioral health related field or Nursing degreeRequires a minimum of 2 years behavioral health clinical experience.Requires 1 year behavioral health experience in a managed care setting or health insurance industry

Additional licensing, certifications, registrations:

Active Unrestricted NJ LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or RN License RequiredApplied Behavior Analysis Certification preferred

Knowledge:

Prefers proficiency in the use of personal computers and supporting software in a Windows based environment, including MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Lotus Notes; prefers knowledge in the use of intranet and internet applications.Prefers working knowledge of case/care management principles.Prefers working knowledge of principles of utilization management.Prefers basic knowledge of health care contracts and benefit eligibility requirements.Prefers knowledge of hospital structures and payment systems.

Skills and Abilities:

AnalyticalCompassionInterpersonal & Client Relationship SkillsJudgmentListeningPlanning/Priority SettingProblem SolvingTeam PlayerTime ManagementWritten/Oral Communication & Organizational Skills

Travel % (If Applicable):

For field based positions, travel required 100%.

Salary Range:

$76,800 - $102,795

​This compensation range is specific to the job level and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity.  This range has been created in good faith based on information known to Horizon at the time of posting.  Compensation decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each case. Horizon also provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes:

Comprehensive health benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision)

Retirement Plans

Generous PTO

Incentive Plans

Wellness Programs

Paid Volunteer Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability and any other protected class as required by federal, state or local law.  Horizon will consider reasonable accommodation requests as part of the recruiting and hiring process.